Financial advisor charged in embezzlement

Ricky Gayland Crocker, Sr. has been arrested in connection with embezzlement and obtaining property by false pretenses from October 2008 to January 2009.

In all there were two victims in connection with the crimes, Marni Schribman, assistant director of public information for the North Carolina Department of Insurance, said.

Department of Insurance criminal investigators allege that between Oct. 1, 2008 and Jan. 2, 2009, Crocker, 58, of 4013 Parkwood School Road, Monroe, used his position as a financial advisor for MetLife Insurance Company to embezzle $33,000 from a customer’s account. In addition to this, investigators also allege that on June, 15, 2009, he redirected funds from the sale of a stock certificate worth $58,604 into his personal business fund, Carolina Media Marketing Group, without the knowledge or consent of the MetLife customer for whom he sold the certificate, according to a statement from the North Carolina Department of Insurance.

Crocker was arrested on Feb. 13 and was processed at the Union County Sheriff’s Office. He was later released on a $5,000 unsecured bond, according to the statement.

According to Union County Jail staff, Crocker has an April 30 court date.

Anyone suspected of being a victim of the alleged embezzlement scheme involving Crocker is asked to contact the North Carolina Department of Insurance Criminal Investigations Division at (919) 807-6840, according to the North Carolina Department of Insurance statement.